Remember Your Pets During This Winter Blast

If you wanted it to feel like Christmas, well, you're in luck! Temperatures this weekend are predicted to be in the teens and 20's overnight. Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare (AAM&W) would like to offer some pet safety tips for the potential cold weather. AAM&W encourages you to take a few special precautions for the health and safety of your family pets.

Pets should be brought inside when the temperature drops to help protect them from exposure to harsh weather.

Wind chill values also play a role in your pet’s welfare during the cold months as they are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia when outdoors. If pets are left outside for any amount of time, by City of Amarillo ordinance, they must have a dry, clean, and draft-free shelter large enough to protect them from the elements. It is recommended that additional heating be added to reduce the risk of exposure.

As your pet’s body fights the cold, their stored energy is depleted. To combat this, routinely check and give plenty of water and food to provide the additional nutrients they need to stay warm. Water must be in liquid form and cannot be frozen.

If you use any salts or chemicals to melt snow and ice where your pets walk, make sure to wipe their paws and stomach before they have the chance to lick them clean. The salt can be irritating not only to the pads of their feet but to the inner lining of their mouth and certain chemicals may be poisonous.

Keep animals away from poisonous human foods such as: grapes, raisins, currants (fruitcakes), chocolate, cocoa, and sweeteners that contain Xylitol. It is recommended to keep you animals on its current species specific diet no matter how great the temptation to give them “extras.”